I used to think chrysanthemums (“mums” for short) were the solo stars of the fall garden. I’d plant them, admire their colorful blooms, and call it a day. But one year, I realized my mums looked a bit lonely, which is why I decided to add some friendly plants nearby.
The right companion plants help them thrive, keep pests away, and make your garden look like a carefully curated masterpiece (even if you just winged it, like me). From vibrant fall blooms to leafy greens that play nice, these plant pairings take chrysanthemums to the next level.
So, if your mums are looking a little lonely, don’t worry – I’ve got the perfect garden buddies for them. It’s time to give those plants some company they’ll love, and you’ll get a garden that’s buzzing with beauty and life!
1. Mums And Marigolds Are Partners In Crime
Marigolds like the low-maintenance best friend that always has your back. They repel pests like aphids and whiteflies that love snacking on chrysanthemums.
Plant them in full sun with well-draining soil, and their bright blooms will complement your mums perfectly while keeping those pesky insects at bay.
2. Your Mums Are Lonely Without This Leafy Friend
Dusty Miller adds a touch of silvery elegance to your garden, and its soft foliage is the perfect backdrop for bold, colorful mums.
This drought-tolerant companion thrives in full sun and poor soil, making it a fuss-free choice. Plus, it highlights those vibrant mum blooms like a neutral throw pillow on a bright couch.
3. Aromatic Lavender Keeps Mums Company
Lavender is more than just a pretty face – it’s a pest-repelling powerhouse that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
Its calming fragrance keeps pests away while its purple blooms and silvery leaves provide the perfect contrast to the bold yellows, oranges, or reds of mums. Together, they create a peaceful, low-maintenance fall garden.
4. Bring In The Bees With Aster Companions
Asters and mums are a match made in garden heaven. Both bloom in the fall, offering a stunning color palette that keeps your beds alive with purples, pinks, and yellows.
Asters thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, and their nectar-rich flowers attract pollinators, which helps all your plants stay happy and healthy.
5. Cabbage And Kale Aren’t Just For The Kitchen
Ornamental cabbage and kale are the unsung heroes of fall gardens, bringing unique shapes and cool colors to your chrysanthemum beds.
These leafy companions love full sun and cooler temperatures, making them perfect for fall plantings. They add texture and visual interest while letting your mums take center stage.
6. Mums And Salvia Are A Buzz-Worthy Combo
Salvia adds tall spikes of purple and blue flowers that complement low-growing chrysanthemums beautifully.
Thriving in full sun and well-draining soil, salvia attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. It’s a win-win: you get a lively, colorful garden, and your mums get some pollinator support.
7. Sweet Alyssum Brings A Carpet Of Charm
Sweet Alyssum is a low-growing, fragrant ground cover that pairs perfectly with mums.
Its delicate white or purple flowers soften the look of taller mums while helping keep weeds at bay. Plant it in full sun to partial shade with rich, moist soil, and enjoy its sweet scent alongside your showy mums.
8. The Bold Beauty Of Sedum Makes Mums Pop
Sedum, often called “Autumn Joy,” is a succulent perennial that thrives in full sun and poor soil. Its pinkish-red blooms complement the bold colors of mums and add height and texture to your garden.
Plus, sedum’s late-season flowers keep the garden buzzing with bees long after summer blooms fade.
9. Coreopsis Keeps The Color Party Going
Coreopsis, with its sunny yellow blooms, is a cheerful companion for chrysanthemums.
Thriving in full sun and dry, poor soils, this drought-tolerant beauty ensures your garden remains colorful and lively through the fall.
Together, coreopsis and mums create a garden that feels like a constant celebration.
10. The Classic Charm Of Shasta Daisies
Shasta daisies are a timeless companion for mums, offering clean, white blooms that highlight the bold hues of their fall friends.
These easygoing perennials thrive in full sun and well-drained soil and bloom well into autumn. With their simple elegance, they make your mums look even more stunning.
11. Russian Sage Adds A Whisper Of Lavender
If you love a cottage garden vibe, Russian Sage is the ideal partner for chrysanthemums. Its airy spikes of soft purple flowers and silvery stems contrast beautifully with the full, colorful blooms of mums.
This lavender lookalike thrives in dry, sunny conditions, adding height and texture to your fall garden.
12. Snapdragons And Mums Create A Fall Wonderland
Snapdragons bring a vertical element to your garden with their colorful, spiky blooms.
They thrive in cooler weather, making them perfect companions for chrysanthemums. Together, they create a garden that’s bursting with color, from the ground up.
Plant them in full sun with moist, well-draining soil for best results.
13. Euphorbia Complements Mums Like A Pro
Euphorbia’s soft, airy foliage creates the perfect contrast to the dense, vibrant blooms of chrysanthemums.
Thriving in full sun and dry conditions, euphorbia adds a light, ethereal touch to fall gardens. Its subtle green or silvery leaves allow your mums to shine without competing for attention.
Plant these companions alongside your mums, and you’ll enjoy a harmonious, colorful, and easy-to-maintain garden season after season